Grizfolk Close Out the Upside Down Flowers Tour with a Sold Out Show in San Diego
GRIZFOLK
Based in Los Angeles and Nashville respectively, it’s no surprise that experimental quartet, Grizfolk, have quickly come to represent a masterclass in folk-rock fusion.
Known for their unique take on synth-meets-southern-melodies, lead vocalist/guitarist, Adam Roth, backing vocalist/synth expert, Sebastian Fritze, guitarist, Fredrik Eriksson, and drummer, Bill Delia, have enjoyed the spotlight on some of North America’s most impressive stages.
And following a series of tours supporting industry giants such as Bastille and X Ambassadors, as well as festival appearances at prominent sites such as Firefly, BottleRock, and Voodoo Festival, Grizfolk once again hit the road, this time with beloved piano-rocker, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, in support of his Upside Down Flowers Tour.
Enjoying the electric atmosphere of the packed sold-out show, Grizfolk treated fans at the San Diego House of Blues to both throwback tunes and future classics. Songs such as “Hymnals” (2014) and “Troublemaker” (2016), offered prime sing-a-long potential, but even more exciting, was the band’s performance of several tracks off their upcoming 2019 album, Rarest of Birds.
Focusing on organic instrumentation over their traditional synth-infused style, “Black Magic” and “Spoonful” emerged as instant crowd favorites and hinted at a new musical direction for the innovative group. And with more material on the way, the SoundBite Magazine team can’t wait for Grizfolk to once again elevate the folk-rock genre to new heights.
For the latest updates and additional info, check out Grizfolk’s official site and connect with the band on social media here.
FLOR
Following Grizfolk’s exciting opening performance, Los Angeles locals, flor, were the next to hit the stage. And clad in Hawaiian shirts and chilli-pepper shorts, it was clear that the indie-rockers were there to let the good times roll.
But, it was more than tropical looks that lead singer, Zach Grace, guitarist, McKinley Kitts, bassist, Dylan Bauld, and drummer, Kyle Hill, served to fans at the pool-party-themed music celebration.
Playing a variety of songs off their first studio album, Come Out, You’re Hiding (released May 2017), flor, like Grizfolk before them, delighted the audience with a surprise sneak peek at new material. The band’s latest track, “Slow Motion” was a perfect addition to the catchy setlist and showed off the band’s energy and charm, which was clearly well received by everyone in attendance that night.
ANDREW MCMAHON IN THE WILDERNESS
Last but certainly not least, was Andrew McMahon himself. A seasoned musician and former frontman of revolutionary indie-rock bands, Jack’s Mannequin and Something Corporate, McMahon is no stranger to throwing a good party.
Recreating the fantastical world of Upside Down Flowers (based on his latest album of the same name), McMahon breezed through a generous two-hour set, which he peppered with hidden gems from each era of his musical journey.
Longtime fans cheered, immediately recognizing tracks such as "Punk Rock Princess" (Something Corporate) and "The Resolution" (Jack's Mannequin) from the introductory chords alone, but just as clearly embraced newer songs such as "Ohio" and "Teenage Rockstars", which they sang along to with full enthusiasm.
And whether it be reaching deep into the archives for a comprehensive setlist, passing out larger-than-life flower lanterns, crowd surfing on a giant inflatable sun, or singing "Rainy Girl" to his his five-year-old daughter, Cecilia, there was no shortage of special moments to go around.
Coverage by Jessica Nakamoto
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